THE county’s gastronomic reputation appears to be heating up with the publication of this year’s Michelin Guide.

A Herefordshire pub has now retained its Michelin star for a whole decade and other eateries have maintained their Bib Gourmand awards, with one new restaurant added.

The Stagg Inn at Titley has carried its star for 10 years after it was again recognised by the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.

It is another honour for chef patron Steve Reynolds and wife Nicola, who is front-of-house manager.

“A lot of it I’d put down to the quality of the ingredients, treated fairly simply, letting the tastes come out,” she said.

“We are fortunate we have a chef/owner who loves what he does.”

Nicola thinks that with four other county eateries also earning Bib Gourmand awards, the region’s gastronomic reputation is hotting up.

“Herefordshire really is a foodie paradise thanks to all the wonderful produce that our farmers bring to the table,” she added.

The Bell at Yarpole, the Lough Pool at Sellack and the Three Crowns at Ullingswick have all been awarded the Bib Gourmand for good food at reasonable prices. The Butchers Arms at Woolhope has been added to the list in this year’s edition.

“We only opened the Butchers Arms in June so we’re very pleased to be recognised so quickly, especially as there are only 131 pubs and restaurants with the award in the whole of the UK,” said owner Stephen Bull.

Just across the border, Michelin stars were also awarded to The Walnut Tree in Llanddewi Skirrid, near Abergavenny, and The Crown at Whitebrook, near Monmouth.